Father Andrew Chien Nguyen celebrated his 25th year as a priest in the Diocese of Orlando. Father Nguyen is the current parochial vicar of St. James Cathedral.

Journey of Faith

In an interview with The Florida Catholic, he described his vocational journey with a joke: "God writes straight with crooked lines." 

Father Nguyen told the news outlet that he always believed that he would become a priest. He entered the seminary when he was only 13 years old. 

Despite entering the seminary at an early age, it would take him 31 years to achieve his dream. Through it all, he never lost faith. 

God's Providence

He said that he offered his vocation to God's providence. Father Nguyen knew that God always had a plan for everybody. 

The Catholic priest was already seven years into his formation at the Major Seminary in HOA Binh Danang, Vietnam. It was during that time that a communist government overtook his country. 

While the government allowed him to complete his studies, they refused to permit him to be ordained. Father Nguyen decided to return home to his family. Despite the setbacks, he did everything he could to live out his vocation at home.

He shared that he would continue to fulfill his duties in the Church. Father Nguyen comforted Catholic patients in the hospitals. He also worked with youth groups. 

The priest said he also worked with the poor during relief efforts. There came a time when he needed to earn money for his family, so he took a job as a photographer for weddings, First Communions, and Confirmations. 

Father Nguyen said he did all these things to help his family. It also allowed him to continue his vocation.

Secret Ordination

He was ordained in secret, but things did not go as planned. The bishop who was supposed to perform the ceremony became ill and had to be hospitalized. 

He was ordained on June 6, 1997, in an underground Ordination. No friends or family were present during the event. 

Father Nguyen later held his first Mass for his family three months later. The Catholic priest performed his duties as a priest in secret for the next three years. 

Despite the dangers, Father Nguyen said he took every opportunity to serve the Church in any way he could. He was then offered a scholarship to study in Rome. The communist government allowed him to leave the country. 

Perseverance, Faith

After completing his studies, he migrated to the United States. He would soon serve as parochial vicar at St. Philip Phan Van Minh Parish in Orlando from 2009 to 2012. 

He now serves as chaplain for Advent Health Hospital in Orlando and is parochial vicar at St. James Cathedral. He was incardinated into the Orlando Diocese in 2014. 

In a previous report with The Florida Catholic, he celebrated Lunar New Year Mass for the Vietnamese community with Bishop John Noonan. He told the news outlet that his journey to the priesthood took perseverance, determination, and faith. 

"Looking back over these 25 years, I realize that God never abandoned me. He always followed me, guided me, and protected me from all evils," Father Nguyen said. "Thanks be to God!"

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